Direct application horse and livestock brush having flow regulator assembly

ABSTRACT

A horse and/or livestock brush assembly releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto the coat of an animal during brushing. The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flow regulator. The brush base comprises a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of apertures that are, optionally, aligned with apertures in brush bristles for delivery of the fluid and/or liquid solution, and is fitted within a first opening of an internal cavity in a brush base. Delivery of the fluid or liquid solution is controlled by way of the flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The liquid solution includes perfumes, fragrances and other active compositions including insect repellant, hair conditioners, dyes, moisturizers, or antibacterial compounds. The fluid and/liquid is delivered directly to the animal&#39;s fur or hair while brushing the coat.

This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 11/710,848, filedFeb. 26, 2007, for “Direct Application Brush For Horses and LivestockThat Releases Active Ingredients” which, in turn, is aContinuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 11/349,638, filed Feb. 8,2006, for “Hairbrush for Pets and People that Releases ActiveIngredients”, which, in turn, is a Continuation-In-Part of applicationSer. No. 11/186,583, filed Jul. 21, 2005, for “Hairbrush for Pets andPeople that Releases Active Ingredients”, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a direct application brush assembly forhorses and livestock that is appointed with a flow regulator andlightweight hose for fluid delivery onto fur or hair; and morespecifically to a brush assembly which, during brushing, releases fluidfed through a hose associated with a flow regulator that is, optionally,attached to a mixing chamber containing a compound having activeingredients soluble in water to form a liquid solution appointed to bedelivered through the hose into the brush and released into the fur orhair. Active ingredients delivered through the liquid solution includetherapeutic or moisturizing compounds, antibacterial compounds, insectrepellant, flea and/or tic compounds, hair-conditioning and detangleproducts, sun protection lotions, mane and tail whiteners and stainremovers, dye compositions, fragrances or other hair-related products.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many patents address issues related to brush designs having a number ofbristles adapted to provide desired brushing action. Brushes for pets,horses and livestock typically incorporate harsh bristles, while thosefor humans are typically provided with softer bristles. Several patentsdisclose coating bristles with desired compositions in order to deliverthese compositions to the brushed hair.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,076 to Meyer discloses a method and forming tool forthe fabrication of a bristle support for a brush, especially ahairbrush. The method involves attaching pin-like bristles to a bristlesupport or carrier for a hairbrush. In a first step the rows of bristlepins are interconnected with one another at their rear end by means of aweb. The individual bristle pin rows are retained in their position bythe web. In a next step the bristle pins, at the region of their rearends, together with the webs, are cast in the material of the bristlesupport, so that the bristle pin rows are embedded in the bristlesupport. In this method, the bristle pins are molded into a cast supportthat is rigid and solid and therefore is incapable of delivering perfumeor other active compositions to the hair or fur being brushed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,491 to Ikemoto discloses a hairbrush adapted toprevent static charging of the bristles and hair. It has a multiplicityof small holes formed in a conductive brush base that carries a row ofantistatic members. The antistatic members are relatively stiff. Theyare prevented from bending down, and render the brush easy to drawthrough hair, thereby facilitating smooth brushing. The conductive brushbase is solid. It cannot deliver perfume or other active compositions tohair or fur, but merely eliminates the static present in the hair andbristles by conducting charges that are present.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,426 to Kellett, et al. discloses a hydrophilic foampad for hair styling. The hair conditioning and styling pad has a shapedbody of a resilient, open-celled, hydrophilic polyurethane foam matrixintegrally incorporating an aqueous phase incorporating about 70-90%water, about 5-25% of a hair conditioning agent, and a nonionicsurfactant. The bristles or tines of a brush contact the resilient padand transfer the aqueous hair styling composition to the brush so thatthe composition is subsequently transferred to the hair as it is beingstyled. This styling device requires periodic contact with the resilientpad to recharge the bristles, and does not by itself deliver perfume orother active compositions to hair or fur.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,099 to Staller, et al. discloses a therapeuticgroomer. This hand-held grooming device grooms, massages, and providesmagnetic therapy for animals. The device has a base that is configuredto be hand-held. On the base, there is formed a grooming pad havingprojections adapted for grooming and massaging. The grooming pads areformed by either a plurality of parallely arranged strips, each havingmagnetic properties, or a single magnetic sheet. Each strip has itsmagnetic poles aligned uniformly so that its longitudinal ends are polaropposites. The therapeutic groomer does not deliver perfume or activecompositions to the hair or fur being groomed.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,450,127 and 6,543,388 to Willinger, et al. disclose anergonomic handle for a grooming brush. This brush handle is formed witha continuously arched upper surface portion and a lower surface portionseparated by a humped semicircular ridge. One of the lower archedportions forms a trigger grip for a single finger held in either aforehand or backhand grip. The handle is covered with a high frictionmaterial in the form of a contoured rubber or elastomeric sleeve, whichis stretched over a molded plastic handle. These patents relate only tothe shape of a handle of a hairbrush and do not disclose a brush thatdelivers perfumes or other active ingredients to brushed hair or fur byway of flow regulation of fluid fed into a cavity within the brush.

A hairbrush commercially marketed by JW Pet Company (Hasbrouck Heights,N.J.) incorporates an ergonomic handle disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,450,127 and 6,543,388. It uses a polymeric molded closed ellipticalcavity which includes a thick elliptical rubber element carryingmultitudes of metallic bristle pins with rounded tips. The distal end ofthe bristle pins opposed to the rounded tips carries nail heads, whichrests against and are glued to a thick rubber element using rubbercement or similar glue. The bristle pins in the rubber element form anair leak-tight seal. The elliptical rubber element has a single holeappointed for discharging air. This elliptical rubber element withattached pins is squeezed into the closed elliptical cavity of apolymeric molded brush and the rubber element adopts a concave shapewith the pins sticking out in a non-planar configuration. During use,pressure is applied to the pins in the middle portion of the ellipticalrubber element of the brush. The air entrapped in the cavity formed bythe rubber element and elliptical cavity is squeezed by the pressureapplied, thereby providing a springy feel, while the entrapped air isreleased through the single hole present in the elliptical rubberelement. This brush has a single air outlet and discharges air entrappedin the elliptical cavity of the brush. It has no means available fordelivering a perfume or other active ingredients to the brushed hair orfur.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,174 to Lee discloses a hair grooming brush having aplurality of rows of curved wavy bristles, rather than traditionalstraight bristles commonly found on brushes and combs. The curvature ofthe bristles produces springiness to the bristles when pressure isapplied during the combing action. The springiness of the numerous rowsof bristles translates into a massaging effect upon the hair and scalp.These springy bristles do not deliver perfumes or other activecompositions to the hair or fur being brushed.

There remains a need in the art for an easy to use brush assembly forgrooming horses and livestock that continuously delivers fluid directlyto the hair, mane, and fur. Specifically, there is a need in the art fora brush assembly providing a brush base fitted with a flexible hoseattached to a flow regulator for controlled fluid delivery. Also, thereremains a need in the art for a brush assembly that can be connected toa mixing chamber to form a liquid solution containing activeingredients, including one or more active ingredients, such as perfumeor other active compositions, appointed to be continuously delivered tothe hair, mane, and fur of these animals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a lightweight brush assembly having abrush base appointed with a hose and a flow regulator for controlleddelivery of a fluid or liquid solution directly to an animal's fur. Thebrush base includes an internal cavity with a bottom surface having afirst opening, a top surface having a second opening, and an orifice fordelivery of the fluid into the internal cavity from the hose. The firstcavity opening is located on the bottom surface of the brush base,facing the bristles of the brush. The second cavity opening is locatedon the top surface of the brush base, opposed to the bristles. Aflexible, deformable membrane having a plurality of apertures,preferably made from rubber, carries a multitude of bristles insertedthrough the apertures in the flexible deformable membrane. Each bristleis provided with a central aperture and optionally a slit along thelength of the bristle. The central aperture is aligned with the aperturein the flexible deformable membrane so that a continuous liquid geldelivery path is provided. The edges of the flexible deformable membraneare tightly fitted to or permanently bonded to the walls of the firstopening of the internal cavity, thereby forming a substantially leaktight seal. The second cavity opening is fitted with a back cover. Theflow regulator is attached to a first end of a hose, while a second endof the hose is attached to the orifice of the brush base so that thehose delivers a fluid from the flow regulator into the internal cavityof the brush base; The flow regulator controls delivery of the fluidinto the hose and, consequently, the internal cavity of the brush basewhen brushing the fur or hair, releasing the fluid through the aperturesin the flexible deformable membrane and the bristles onto the fur orhair. Optionally, a mixing chamber may be attached to the flowregulator, wherein the mixing chamber houses a soluble compound with anactive composition which dissolves in water delivered from the flowregulator to form a liquid solution that is fed into the brush base. Theliquid solution contains a desired liquid gel of perfume or fragrance orother active compositions such as insect repellants, hair-conditioningproducts, dye compositions, moisturizing ingredients, antibacterialcompounds, and the like. When hair or fur is brushed with the brush ofthe subject invention, the flow regulator is turned on and adjustedaccording to the desired flow rate and the fluid and/or liquid solutioncontaining fragrance or perfume or other active composition is releasedto the hairs or fur of the coat being brushed through the fine aperturesprovided within the bristles transferring the liquid gel perfume,fragrance or active ingredient to hairs or fur of the coat duringbrushing.

The bristles with fine apertures may be attached to the flexibledeformable membrane apertures in numerous ways. The bristles may bemolded together by injection molding or similar processes with thedeformable membrane, as a unitary body with the apertures in theflexible deformable membrane matching the central aperture in thebristle. In a second embodiment, the bristles may comprise aperturesthat are U shaped so that the aperture not only brings the liquid gelperfume, fragrance or active agent to the tip of the bristle, but alsodelivers along the length of the bristle. In this embodiment, thebristles deliver the fluid and/or liquid solution containing perfume,fragrance or active ingredient along its entire length and any hairs orfur of the coat contacting the bristle is coated with the liquid gel offragrance, perfume or active ingredient.

The brush is assembled first by inserting the flexible, deformablemembrane with brush elements having fine apertures attached thereto intothe first opening of the internal cavity of the brush base. Thedeformable membrane is entirely contained within the first opening,wherein the perimeter of the membrane rests against the inner wall whichis defined by the internal cavity. Next, the hose and flow regulator areconnected to the orifice of the brush base for delivery of the fluidinto the internal cavity of the brush base. During application, thefluid is delivered to the brush base and through the bristle apertures.

The liquid perfume, fragrance or active ingredient has a contact anglesufficiently low, typically in the range of 1 to 30 degrees with respectto the bristle material so that the liquid penetrates the fine aperturesprovided within the bristles. If the contact angle is significantlylarger, the penetration of the liquid gel within the fine apertures ofthe bristle is compromised.

Significant advantages are realized by practice of the presentinvention. The key features of the direct application horse brushassembly, include, in combination, the features set forth below:

-   -   1) a brush base having an internal cavity with a bottom surface        that has a first opening and top surface that has a second        opening, respectively;    -   2) the first opening being appointed to receive a flexible        deformable membrane;    -   3) the second opening being appointed to receive a back cover;    -   3) the flexible deformable membrane having several rows of        bristle elements with fine apertures provided therewithin;    -   4) optionally, a porous sponge or soluble disk saturated with a        water soluble formulation of fragrance, perfume and/or other        active composition may be inserted from the second opening in        the internal cavity of the brush base. The optional porous        sponge is arranged so that it rests on the flexible deformable        membrane, feeding a sponge liquid solution to the aperture in        the flexible deformable membrane and central apertures in the        bristles as water or fluid from the hose and, consequently, a        vie flow regulator are delivered into the internal cavity of the        brush base to dissolve and mix with the water soluble        formulation saturated within the porous sponge;    -   5) a second end of a hose is connected to the orifice of the        brush base, and a first end of the hose is connected to a flow        regulator for controlled delivery of a fluid into the internal        cavity of the brush base;    -   6) optionally, a mixing chamber containing a substantially water        soluble compound that has an active ingredient may be attached        to the flow regulator so that as water travels through the flow        regulator into the mixing chamber the compound is dissolved to        form a liquid solution; and    -   7) the user may periodically replace the optional mixing chamber        with a fresh mixing chamber when the perfume, fragrance and/or        other active composition is exhausted;    -   whereby the user of the brush of the subject invention is        provided with the capability to saturate the hairs or fur of the        coat being brushed with water, a perfume, fragrance and/or other        active compositions including insect repellant, hair        conditioning products, dye compositions, moisturizing        ingredients, antibacterial compounds, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages willbecome apparent when reference is had to the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention and theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the brush assembly ofthis invention, showing the brush base with the internal cavity therein,the flexible deformable membrane having brush elements with a centralaperture and the orifice being attached to the hose which, in turn, isattached to a flow regulator equipped with an optional mixing chamber;

FIG. 2 a is a side view depicting the brush base of this invention,showing the internal cavity, the flexible deformable membrane havingbrush elements with a central aperture, the back cover, the handle, andthe side wall having the orifice for attachment to the hose and flowregulator, so that the optional porous sponge or soluble disk can beinserted into the internal cavity;

FIG. 2 b is a top plane view of the brush base of this inventiondepicted in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 c is a bottom plane view of the brush base of this inventionshowing the flexible deformable membrane having apertures aligned withbristle apertures depicted in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 is an illustration depicting the brush base of this invention,showing the internal cavity, the flexible deformable membrane havingbrush elements with a central aperture, the back cover and the side wallhaving an orifice designed for attachment to the hose and flowregulator;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the assembled brush of the subjectinvention taken along cross section XX of FIG. 3, showing the relativelocations of the flexible deformable membrane with attached bristleshaving a central aperture, the back cover, and the side wall having anorifice designed for attachment to the hose and flow regulator;

FIG. 5 a is an illustration showing the flexible deformable membranewith attached bristles having a central aperture according to the firstembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 b is a cross section of an individual bristle showing the centralaperture;

FIG. 6 a is an illustration showing the flexible deformable membranewith attached bristles having a central aperture and having additionalaperture openings along the length of the bristle, according to thesecond embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 b is a cross sectional view of an individual bristle showing theU shaped central aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a brush and flow regulator with hose assemblyfor use with horses and livestock. The brush assembly of the subjectinvention releases fluid, such as water, and/or a solution containingactive compounds in substantially liquid form onto the fur, hair, mane,and coat of the horse or livestock animal, penetrating follicle depths.Fluid flow is controlled by the flow regulator, which feeds fluid into ahose that delivers the liquid into an internal cavity of a brush basefor release through apertures in a flexible deformable membrane intoaligned bristle apertures and onto the fur or hair. A mixing chamberhousing an active substantially water soluble compound may be attachedto the flow regulator to mix with water to form a liquid solution thatis delivered into the brush base. Active ingredients delivered in theliquid solution include fragrances, therapeutic or moisturizingcompounds, hair-conditioning and detangle products, sun protectionlotions, mane and tail whiteners and stain removers, dye compositionsand other hair-related products, antibacterial compounds, flea and/ortic compounds, and insect repellant or the like. Direct delivery of theactive compound onto the coat and mane of the animal provides optimalpenetration and effectiveness of the product's treatment. Uponexhaustion of the liquid solution, water may continuously pass throughthe flow regulator into the hose to flush the assembly as well as rinseand finish cleaning the animal.

The present brush assembly's application is particularly directed to usewith livestock and barn animals such as horses, ponies, llamas, cattleand the like, as well as family pets such as dogs and cats. Theseanimals are oftentimes exposed to infection through parasites, such asticks, and would benefit from a brush assembly that provided a directdelivery system wherein medicament can be delivered quickly andefficiently to the animal's skin, without having to be rubbed in throughthe animal's coat. Direct delivery of the active ingredients of theproduct to the animal's skin and interstitials of the hair or fur of thecoat provides optimal application without loss due to run-off from uppersurface applications of the product. As a result, exposure and contactof the active ingredients to the individual applying same is mitigated,while the delivery of the active ingredients is achieved in a highlyefficient manner.

The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flowregulator. The brush base is provided with a bottom surface having afirst opening, a top surface having a second opening, and at least oneside wall constructed to form an internal cavity. The brush base furtherincludes an orifice for attachment to the hose and flow regulator. Thisorifice is preferably located on the side wall, extending externallyfrom the side wall into the internal cavity. The first opening receivesa flexible deformable membrane which carries bristle elements havingcentral apertures to release fluid or/and a liquid solution containingperfume, fragrance, and/or active compositions during brushing or at thedesire of the user at any time through controlled delivery by way of theflow regulator. The flexible deformable membrane has a plurality ofapertures within which bristles with central apertures are placed.Central apertures within the bristles provide a continuous fluid/liquidgel/solution flow path.

The first opening of the brush base receives the flexible deformablemembrane with the bristles having a central aperture so that thebristles extend from the brush base. The perimeter of the flexibledeformable membrane rests against the interior wall of the brush basedefined by the internal cavity, thereby forming a substantially leaktight seal. Preferably, the flexible deformable membrane is permanentlybonded to the walls of the first opening of the brush base. A back coveris inserted through the second opening to form a substantially leaktight seal for the internal cavity.

The flow regulator operates to flush fluid through the hose and into thebrush base. Fluid preferably is water or an aqueous solution. A mixingchamber may be attached to the flow regulator. This mixing chamberpreferably contains a water soluble compound comprised of activeingredients. Water from the flow regulator is mixed with the compoundwithin the mixing chamber to form a liquid solution, which is thendelivered through the hose into the internal cavity of the brush base,and onto the animal's coat. Upon exhaustion of the liquid solution thebrush may be removed from the animal, or water may continue to flowthrough the hose to rinse the solution from the animal, such as if theliquid solution is a shampoo or soap solution. Generally stated, theinvention consists of a brush base which releases fluid and/or liquidsolution containing fragrance, perfume and/or other active compositionsduring brushing via a flow regulator. During the brushing action theflow regulator is activated and fluid flows through the hose into theorifice and into the internal cavity to be delivered through theapertures of the bristles integrated within the flexible deformablemembrane.

The first opening may take any shape including elliptical, circular,rectangular, or square-shaped. The second opening may take any shapeincluding elliptical, circular, rectangular, or square-shaped. Theflexible, deformable membrane may take any shape including elliptical,circular, rectangular, or square-shaped. The back cover may take anyshape including elliptical, circular, rectangular, or square-shaped. Anyother suitable geometric shapes are within the scope of the presentinvention. Preferably, each of the first opening, second opening,flexible membrane, and back cover has the same general shape,respectively. At a minimum, all that is required is that, whatever itsshape, the flexible deformable membrane and the cover form asubstantially air tight seal with the internal cavity so that the fluidand/or liquid solution with perfume, fragrance and/or other activecomposition is released reliably.

The flexible deformable membrane is preferably made from rubber,typically with a thickness of 1/32 inch to 3/32 inch. The aperturesprovided for receiving the bristles are typically 0.010-0.60 inches,matching the outer diameter of the bristles used. The bristles arepreferably polymeric bodies with a central aperture and a rounded endcontacting hair. The bristles have a diameter ranging from 0.010 inch to0.060 inches with central apertures having a diameter ranging from 0.005inch to 0.040 inches. The bristles with a central aperture arepreferably permanently bonded to the flexible deformable membraneapertures using glue or other attachment means, with the centralaperture in the bristle matching that in the flexible deformablemembrane so that a continuous liquid gel flow path is provided.Alternatively, the flexible deformable membrane and the bristles withthe central aperture may be molded by an injection molding process inone step to create a one piece unit which contains both the flexibledeformable membrane and the bristles with central aperture.

In the second embodiment of the invention, each of the bristles not onlyhas a central opening, but has a slit aperture along the length of thebristle. In other words, the bristle is U-shaped in its cross sectionand fits into or is bonded to the aperture in the flexible deformablemembrane. In this arrangement, the fluid and/or liquid solution isdelivered to the hair that is being brushed both along the length of thebristle and its tip, providing more uniform distribution of the fluidand/liquid solution into the animal's coat.

Since the fluid and/or liquid solution has to travel along the length ofthe bristle through the central aperture, it is important that thecontact angle of the fluid and/or liquid solution with the bristle be inthe range of 2 degrees to 30 degrees. If the contact angle exceeds thisrange, the fluid and/or gel/liquid solution may not easily penetrate thecentral aperture and be delivered to the tip of the bristle in the firstembodiment or to the tip and side surface of the bristle in the secondembodiment.

Assembly of the brush of this invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   1. Arranging a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of        apertures adapted to receive and be attached to bristles with        central apertures. The flexible deformable membrane is inserted        through the first opening in the internal cavity of the brush        base. Since the flexible deformable membrane has a slightly        larger dimension than the first opening in the brush base, it        must be flexed to insert the flexible deformable membrane. At        this stage, the bristles with central aperture incorporated in        the flexible deformable membrane point away from the internal        cavity of the brush base. The perimeter of the flexible        deformable membrane rests against the interior walls defined by        the internal cavity, thereby forming an airtight seal.        Alternatively, the flexible deformable membrane with attached        bristles having a central aperture may be permanently bonded to        the brush base.    -   2. Optionally, a porous sponge or soluble disk saturated with a        water soluble formulation of fragrance, perfume and/or other        active composition may be inserted from the second opening in        the internal cavity of the brush base. The optional porous        sponge is arranged so that it rests on the flexible deformable        membrane, feeding a sponge liquid solution to the aperture in        the flexible deformable membrane and central apertures in the        bristles as water or fluid from the hose and, consequently, the        flow regulator are delivered into the internal cavity of the        brush base to dissolve and mix with the water soluble        formulation saturated within the porous sponge.    -   3. The back cover is inserted over the second opening. This is a        sliding fit providing a leak tight seal.    -   4. A second end of a hose is connected to the orifice of the        brush base, and a first end of the hose is connected to a flow        regulator for delivery of a fluid into the internal cavity of        the brush base.    -   5. Optionally, a mixing chamber containing a substantially water        soluble compound having an active ingredient may be attached to        the flow regulator so that as water travels through the flow        regulator into the mixing chamber the compound is dissolved to        form a liquid solution.    -   6. Now the assembled brush is ready to use. It delivers fluid        and/or the liquid solution with active ingredients, such as        perfume, fragrance and/or other active compositions, when the        brush is used to brush human or pet hair or livestock. Once the        liquid solution perfume, fragrance and/or active composition is        exhausted, water may continue to run through the flow regulator        and hose into the brush base and onto the animal's fur or hair        to rinse any solution off of the animal's coat. Upon exhaustion        of the compound in the mixing chamber, the mixing chamber is        removed and re-filled or replaced with a new mixing chamber.

Plastic materials have particular application in manufacturing thesubject brush assembly, specifically including polyvinyl chloride (PVC)and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The size of the channel-likeopenings in the bristles could vary depending upon the viscosity of theliquid composition appointed for delivery. A vast array of animal healthcare products, soaps, shampoos, compounds and solutions can be appliedthrough use of the subject brush, such as those set forth in Table Ihereinbelow. TABLE I Animal Care Product Function ULTRASHIELD ™Insecticide & Repellent SUPERSHIELD RED ™ Water-Resistant Fly RepellentSUPERSHIELD GREEN ™ Horse Spray, Herbal Gel & Super ConcentrateSHOWSHEEN ™ Hair Polish & Detangler ULTRASCREEN ™ Maximum Sun ProtectionLotion & Fade Protection SUPERPOO & Mane & Tail Whitener & Stain RemoverSHOWCLEAN ™ ABSORBINE ® Varying Application; muscle, joint and arthritispain reliever;

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the brushassembly of this invention, shown generally at 50. In the embodimentshown, the optional mixing chamber is attached to the flow regulator.Brush assembly 50 includes a handle 51 and brush base 52 having aninternal cavity 53. The internal cavity 53 has a first opening 55 and asecond opening 54. A flexible deformable membrane 56 with bristleelements 57 having apertures 58 is inserted within the first ellipticalopening 55. Bristles elements 57 are herein shown having a cone shape,but bristle elements 57 may have an elongated rectangular or cylindricalshape (as is illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 hereinafter), or any suitableshape for combing between hairs or fur of the coat of an animal.

Flexible deformable membrane 56 includes holes 62 interstitially thereinwhich are in substantial proximity and alignment with bristles elements57 and the apertures 58 thereof. The second opening 54 receives a backcover 61 with handle 51 attached thereto. Brush base 52 further includesan orifice 65 herein located on side wall 66. Orifice 65 extends intointernal cavity 53 and is adapted with a fitting 67 for connection to asecond end 71 of a hose 70.

Hose 70 supplies fluid to the brush base 52 and is lightweight, and hasa relatively small diameter with varying length and thickness. Hose 70includes a first end 72 attached to a flow regulator 75 preferably byway of regulator screw top 76. Flow regulator 75 further comprises abody portion 77 appointed to be attached to a fluid or water supply andincludes a threaded portion 78 therein for mating with threads orgrooves of the regulator screw top 76 or an optional mixing chamber 80,as herein shown. As fluid is delivered from flow regulator 75 it passesinto hose 70 and traverses orifice 65 into internal cavity 53 fordelivery through bristle apertures 58. This fluid may be water oranother fluid source. Flow regulator 75 controls delivery of fluid intohose 70 and internal cavity 53 of brush base 52 when brushing fur orhair, releasing fluid through apertures 62 in flexible deformablemembrane 56 and apertures 58 in bristles 57 onto the animal's fur orhair. With this arrangement, the brush assembly is easy to maneuver andfluid supply can be continuous or intermittent.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the optional mixing chamber 80 isincorporated into the brush assembly 50. The optional mixing chamber 80houses a compound appointed to be mixed with water delivered from flowregulator 75 to form a liquid solution that is appointed to be fedthrough hose 70 into interior cavity 53 of brush base 52 fordissemination of the liquid solution onto the fur or hair. The liquidsolution preferably includes active ingredients comprising grooming andcleaning products for a coat of the horse and livestock, and may includeshampoos, soaps, perfumes, fragrances and/or other active compositioncomprising insect repellant, flea repellants and treatments, ticrepellant, mane and tail hair conditioning compositions, dyecompositions, moisturizing ingredients, or antibacterial compounds.

Preferably the compound housed in the mixing chamber 80 is a semi-solidcompound soluble in an aqueous environment to form the liquid solutionappointed for delivery through hose 70 into interior cavity 53 of brushbase 52 for delivery through bristle apertures 58. Most preferably, thissemi-solid compound is a shampoo or soap. In application, the soap orshampoo in semi-solid form in the cylindrical mixing chamber 80dissolves slowly as water is forced into mixing chamber 80 by way offlow regulator 75. As the semi-solid soap compound dissolves it suds orsoaps-up to provide a soapy liquid solution that is delivered throughhose 70. After approximately three to five minutes, the semi-solidbecomes used-up and the soapy liquid solution begins to become dilutedand subsist substantially as water.

Water continues to flow through flow regulator 75, (emptied) mixingchamber 80 and hose 70 to clean and rinse the animal. Mixing chamber 80is preferably constructed as a cylinder having a chamber top 81 thatmates with regulator screw top 76, and a chamber bottom 82 that screwsonto or otherwise attaches to threaded portion 78 of flow regulator 75.Mixing chamber 80 is preferably a secondary “sale” item or after marketreplacement item, with replacement mixing chambers available. Washinghorses and livestock can be an untidy situation with buckets, soap,sponges, and rinse water being necessary. Use of the brush assemblyalong with the optional mixing chamber provides the ability to deliverthe soap and water in a highly efficient, tidy manner. While at the sametime, the ability to get the soap deep within the fur follicles yieldsoptimal cleaning of the animal's coat and/mane.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a side view of the brush base for horses andlivestock of the present invention, shown generally at 100, wherein thehose and flow regulator are not yet attached to the brush base andwherein the optional porous sponge or soluble disk is inserted into theinternal cavity. Brush base 100 includes handle 51, first opening 55,second opening 54, internal cavity 53, and orifice 65 appointed withfitting 67 for connection to the second end of the hose and,consequently, the flow regulator. Flexible deformable membrane 56 withbristle elements 57 having apertures 58 is housed within firstelliptical opening 55. Flexible deformable membrane 56 includes holes 62interstitially therein aligned with bristles elements 57 and theapertures 58 thereof. Second opening 54 receives a back cover 61 withhandle 51 attached thereto.

Optionally, a porous sponge or soluble disk 101 may be inserted withininternal cavity 53. This optional porous sponge or soluble disk 101 maybe a gel, liquid, solid, or semi-solid formulation that is water solubleand contains fragrance, perfume and/or other active composition. Waterdelivered by way of the flow regulator and hose enters internal cavity53 and mixes with the water soluble formulation within the porous spongeor soluble disk 101 dissolving the formulation to form a liquid solutionwithin internal cavity 53. Once formed, the solution is then deliveredthrough bristle apertures 58 onto the animal's coat. Upon exhaustion ofthe formulation within the sponge or dissolving of the soluble disk,water may continue to flow through, rinsing the formulation off of theanimal's coat, such as when the formulation is a soap or shampoo. Inthis optional arrangement, the flow regulator would preferably not beattached to the optional mixing chamber.

FIGS. 2 b and 2 c illustrate views of the brush for horses and livestockdepicted in FIG. 2 a: FIG. 2 b illustrating a top plane view, showngenerally at 180; and FIG. 2 c illustrating a bottom plane view, showngenerally at 190. Handle 51 extends over the brush base 52 of the brush.In operation, a user places their hand with the palm thereof facingdownward toward brush base 52, while the top of the hand is in contactwith handles 51. Brush base 52 is constructed with internal cavity 53having first opening 55 and second opening 54. Second opening 55accommodates flexible deformable membrane 56 which, in turn, holdsbristle elements 57 having apertures 58 to form a substantially airtight seal. Flexible deformable membrane 56 includes holes 62 insubstantial proximity and alignment with bristles elements 57 and theapertures 58 thereof. Alternatively, holes 62 of membrane 56 may includea plurality of holes, particularly when bristle elements 57 have aconical shape (as shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c), so that more than one hole 62is in association with each bristle element 57 and the plurality ofsmall holes 62 feed into or, alternatively, along the side of eachbristle element 57.

FIG. 3 illustrates at 10 the brush base for horses and livestock of thesubject invention with a handle 11 and brush base 12 having an internalcavity 13. In this embodiment, the hose and flow regulator are not yetconnected but are also shown in the figure, shown generally at 10. Brushbase 12 is constructed with an internal cavity 13 having a first openinggenerally marked 15 and a second opening generally marked 14. A flexibledeformable membrane 16 with bristle elements 17 having apertures 18 isinserted within the first elliptical opening 15. The bristle elements 17are shown in cross section, for clarity, to illustrate the centralaperture within the bristle. The apertures in the flexible deformablemembrane 16 are shown at 22. The second opening 14 receives a back cover21 with handle 11 attached thereto. Back cover 21 is preferably attachedto opening 14 via screw attachment means. Brush base 12 further includesorifice 65 which extends into internal cavity 13 and is adapted withfitting 67 for connection to second end 71 of hose 70 for delivery ofthe fluid from flow regulator 75 into brush base 12. Hose 70 includesfirst end 72 attached to flow regulator 75 preferably by way ofregulator screw top 76. Flow regulator 75 further comprises a bodyportion 77 appointed to be attached to a fluid or water supply andincludes threaded portion 78 therein for mating with threads or groovesof regulator screw top 76 (as indicated herein) or the optional mixingchamber (as shown in FIG. 1). As water is delivered from flow regulator75 it passes into hose 70 and traverses orifice 65 into internal cavity12 for delivery through bristle apertures 18.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of the brush base of the subjectinvention along cross section XX of FIG. 3, shown generally at 25. Inits assembled configuration, the flexible deformable membrane 16 isentirely contained within the first opening 15. The flexible deformablemembrane 16 is located against the inner wall defined by the internalcavity 13 so as to form a leak-tight seal or preferably bonded to theinner wall 13. Due to the larger dimension of the flexible deformablemembrane 16, it protrudes from the first opening 15 with a convex bulge.The bristle elements 17 with apertures 18 are bonded to the flexibledeformable membrane 16 so that bristle apertures line up, at least inpart, with corresponding holes 22 in the flexible deformable membrane.Alternatively, the apertures 18 in the flexible deformable membrane 16are disposed with respect to the brush bristles, so that the liquidpassing through apertures 18 flows along the outsides of the brushbristles. When this brush is used, the bristle elements 17 withapertures 18 attached to the flexible deformable membrane 16 contact thehair, fur, or coat of the horse, pet or livestock first, therebydeforming the flexible deformable membrane 16. Fluid is passed intointernal cavity 13 through orifice 65 from the hose and flow regulator(and optional mixing chamber if applied).

FIG. 5 a illustrates the flexible deformable membrane with bondedbristles 17, shown generally at 30. The flexible deformable membrane hasapertures 22 which are matched with the apertures 18 in the bristles 17.In this figure, the bristles are shown in cross section to illustrateclearly the central aperture. FIG. 5 b shows the cross section of thebristle showing the central aperture 18 within the bristle 17 takenalong plan V of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 6 a illustrates the flexible deformable membrane with bondedbristles 47, shown generally at 40. The flexible deformable membrane hasapertures 42 which are matched with U-shaped apertures 48 in thebristles 47. In this figure, the bristles are shown in cross section toillustrate clearly the central aperture. FIG. 5 b shows the crosssection of the bristle showing the central U-shaped aperture 48 withinthe bristle 47 taken along plan VI of FIG. 6 a.

The brush assembly disclosed herein can be modified in numerous wayswithout departing from the scope of the invention. Optional poroussponge 59 (see FIG. 2 a) can be replaced by a plastic silicon shellhaving aperture leading to the soluble formulation including perfume,fragrance and/or other active compositions. These ingredients arereleased into canals within bristles 17 and/or flow along the sides ofthe bristles 17 upon application of pressure.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will beunderstood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but thatadditional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to oneskilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention asdefined by the subjoined claims.

1. A direct application brush assembly for horses and livestock,comprising: a. a molded brush base with a handle and an internal cavitywith a bottom surface having a first opening, a top surface having asecond opening and an orifice; b. said first opening being adapted toreceive a flexible deformable membrane having apertures aligned withapertures in bristles of a brush fixedly attached thereto appointed forcombing through hair or fur; c. said second opening being adapted toreceive a cover that fits onto said second opening; d. a flow regulator;e. a hose having a first end fitted with said flow regulator and asecond end fitted to said orifice of said brush base so that said hosedelivers a fluid from said flow regulator into said internal cavity ofsaid brush base; whereby said flow regulator controls delivery of saidfluid into said hose and said internal cavity of said brush base whenbrushing said fur or hair, releasing said fluid through said aperturesin said flexible deformable membrane and said bristles onto said fur orhair.
 2. A brush assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein each of saidfirst and second openings is elliptical, said flexible deformablemembrane is elliptical, and said cover is elliptical.
 3. A brushassembly as recited by claim 1, wherein each of said first and secondopenings is circular, said flexible deformable membrane is circular, andsaid cover is circular.
 4. A brush assembly as recited by claim 1,wherein each of said first and second openings is rectangular, saidflexible deformable membrane is rectangular, and said cover isrectangular.
 5. A brush assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein each ofsaid first and second openings is square-shaped, said flexibledeformable membrane is square-shaped, and said cover is square-shaped.6. A brush assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said flexibledeformable membrane is composed of rubber having a thickness in therange of 1/32 inch to 3/32 inch.
 7. A brush assembly as recited by claim1, wherein said flexible deformable membrane aperture has a diameter inthe range of 0.010 inch to 0.060 inch.
 8. A brush assembly as recited byclaim 1, wherein each of said bristles has a circular cross section, thediameter of which ranges from 0.010 to 0.060 inch.
 9. A brush assemblyas recited by claim 1, wherein each of said bristles has a circularcross section, the diameter of which ranges from 0.005 inch to 0.040inch.
 10. A brush assembly as recited by claim 9, wherein each of saidbristles has a circular cross section with a central aperture and a slitalong the length of the bristle forming a bristle having a U-shapedcross section.
 11. A brush assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein saidflexible deformable membrane is composed of a flexible polymericmaterial having a thickness in the range of 1/32 inch to 3/32 inch. 12.A brush assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said fluid is water. 13.A brush assembly as recited by claim 1 comprising a mixing chamberhousing a compound appointed to be mixed with water delivered from saidflow regulator to form a liquid solution that is appointed to be fedthrough said hose into said interior cavity of said brush base fordissemination of said liquid solution onto said fur or hair.
 14. A brushassembly as recited by claim 13, wherein said liquid solution includesactive ingredients comprising grooming and cleaning products for a coatof said horse and livestock.
 15. A brush assembly as recited by claim13, wherein said liquid solution includes active ingredients comprisinganimal health care products.
 16. A brush assembly as recited by claim13, wherein said liquid solution includes perfume, fragrance and/orother active composition comprising insect repellant, flea repellantsand treatments, tic repellant, mane and tail hair conditioningcompositions, dye compositions, moisturizing ingredients, orantibacterial compounds.
 17. A brush assembly as recited by claim 13,wherein said liquid solution consists of active ingredients selectedfrom a group consisting of insect repellants, flea and/or tic compounds,muscle treatments, therapeutic or moisturizing compounds, orantibacterial compounds.
 18. A brush assembly as recited by claim 13,wherein said liquid solution consists of active ingredients selectedfrom a group consisting of perfumes, fragrance, hair-conditioning anddetangle products, sun protection lotions, mane and tail whiteners andstain removers, dye compositions, fragrances or other hair/fur/coat-carerelated products.
 19. A brush assembly as recited by claim 13, whereinsaid compound housed in said mixing chamber is a semi-solid compoundsoluble in an aqueous environment to form said liquid solution appointedfor delivery through said hose and into said interior cavity of saidbrush base.
 20. A brush assembly as recited by claim 19, wherein saidsemi-solid compound is a shampoo.
 21. A brush assembly as recited byclaim 13, wherein said mixing chamber is disposable and replacementmixing chambers are available.
 22. A brush assembly as recited by claim1, wherein a porous sponge or soluble disk is provided to be insertedwithin said internal cavity, wherein said porous sponge or soluble diskis water soluble and contains active ingredients and dissolves as fluidenters said internal cavity by way of said hose and said flow regulator.23. A method for making a direct delivery brush assembly for horses andlivestock coats that releases a fluid, comprising the steps of: a.forming a brush base having an internal cavity with a bottom surfacehaving a first opening, a top surface having a second opening and anorifice; b. producing a flexible deformable membrane having aperturesaligned with apertures in bristles rigidly attached thereto; c.inserting said flexible deformable membrane into said first opening insaid internal cavity; d. inserting a cover on said second opening ofsaid brush base; e. connecting a second end of a hose to said orifice ofsaid brush base and connecting a first end of said hose to a flowregulator for delivery of said fluid into said internal cavity of saidbrush base; whereby said flow regulator controls delivery of said fluidinto said hose and said internal cavity of said brush base when brushingsaid fur or hair, releasing said fluid through said apertures in saidflexible deformable membrane and said bristles onto said coat of saidhorse and livestock.
 24. A method for making a direct delivery brushassembly as recited by claim 23 comprising a mixing chamber housing acompound appointed to be mixed with water delivered from said flowregulator to form a liquid solution that is appointed to be fed throughsaid hose into said interior cavity of said brush base for disseminationof said liquid solution onto said fur or hair
 25. A method for making adirect delivery brush assembly as recited by claim 24, wherein saidliquid solution comprises fragrance and/or other active compositioncomprising insect repellant, flea repellants and treatments, ticrepellant, mane and tail hair conditioning compositions, dyecompositions, moisturizing ingredients, or antibacterial compounds.